2022 Mazda 3 G20e Evolve mild-hybrid review: Looks and brains? (2023)

Small passenger vehicles continue to be a prominent offering in the market. That’s right, a small car that’s not an SUV or ute continues to sell well in Australia.

In fact, last month (July 2022) it was the small segment that performed the best out of the passenger categories, selling 7801 vehicles and raking in a 9.2 per cent market share.I’m talking about cars such as the one that I’ve just reviewed in the Mazda 3, along with its fierce rivals in the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla.

The spec I had in my garage was the 2022 Mazda 3 G20e Evolve M Hybrid in hatch form. The range is extensive with 14 variants on offer and this model sits close to the middle of the line-up.

This particular model was added to the range when the Mazda 3 received its recent update. Based on the mid-spec Evolve, it adds a 24-volt mild-hybrid edition of the G20’s powertrain, as found in the MX-30, along with a bunch of features.

Some standard features include keyless entry, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and memory, side mirrors with memory and reverse tilt-down functions, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and the Vision Technology Package, which incorporates 360-degree camera, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, driver monitoring plus cruising and traffic support, to name a few.

In terms of pricing, the Mazda 3 G20e Evolve M Hybrid five-door hatch kicks off at $32,840 plus on-road costs. Our test model adds Soul Red Crystal premium paint for $595, bringing the on-test total to $33,435 plus on-roads.

If you’re shopping down this small car aisle, then you’re most likely also looking at those mentioned above – the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30.

Comparing price tags, the Toyota Corolla starts at $32,695 for the ZR, while the Hyundai i30 kicks off at$30,520 for the Elite, which sits in the middle of the range. Both prices exclude on-road costs.

A call out here that you can get a top-spec Corolla for cheaper than an almost mid-spec Mazda 3, with the range-topping Mazda coming in at $42,690. So, it’s not the cheapest in the market by any means.

In saying that, the wide range of variants means a wide scope in price, with the entry-level accessible at $26,540 excluding on-road costs. It all depends on your budget, but it’s good to know that you're spoiled for choice.

While this class isn’t saturated, most in my opinion are fairly easy on the eye, and the Mazda is no exception. Its exterior is striking with its elongated nose, distinctive oversized grille, curvaceous sides, and a rear that really pops with its trendy circular LED lights.

While the exterior of this hatch is appealing, I have to say I was underwhelmed when first jumping into the cabin… Until I started looking around and patting materials.

While it doesn’t look like much on first appearance, delve a little deeper and you’ll notice the nicely finished fabric seats, matching fabric on the doors, soft touches on the dash, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The dials and buttons are a little more subdued, but altogether it packages up nicely to deliver a clean and somewhat fresh-looking interior.

In the way of interior space and storage, there’s no shortage of spots to place your belongings. Up front there’s a handy cubby area adjacent to the cupholders, a large centre compartment with an opening that makes it easy to access bits and bobs, while the door bins can store a large bottle.

There’s also a space to place your phone, which you may think is a charging pad, but it’s not. Unfortunately, wireless charging isn’t offered no matter the spec.

The front seats are spacious and cosy, not forgetting the driver's seat is also electric with lumbar support. It’s a bit of a different experience when you jump in the rear, though.

As a hatch, you can expect the space in the back to be rather impeded. With the front seat in my driving position it was crammed. So much so that my legs were touching the seat ahead of me (I’m 173cm).

Even sitting in the middle seat, I had to splay my legs to evade the centre tunnel and avoid my long legs being held up against my chest. It goes without saying the head, toe and leg room are compromised for larger adults and the back is better suited to children.

Highlights in the rear include dedicated air vents and a fold-down armrest with two cupholders. But that’s about it. Passengers wanting to charge their smartphone will need to rely on the front ports.

So while the look of a hatch is funky, it’s obviously not the most practical everyday option and more suited to those who have small families, or if you’re mainly cruising around with a plus one.

On this note, there are ISOFIX points on the outboard rear seats, and three top-tether mounts for child seats.

The boot measures in at 295L with the seats up. It’s not huge and, in fact, sits towards the bottom of its class with the Kia Cerato hatch at 428L, the Honda Civic at 414L, and the Hyundai i30 hatch boasting 395L. It does, however, beat the Toyota Corolla that offers just 217L of luggage space on most variants.

This Mazda 3 gets an 8.8-inch infotainment screen that sits cushioned nicely in the dash. It’s not a touchscreen, though, so there can be that added fluffing about when navigating through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto menus via the console controller.

If you’re not used to using a rotary dial, never fear, as it doesn’t take too long to get the hang of, and this one is positioned perfectly with large shortcuts surrounding the dial.

The system’s voice recognition is also super responsive to assist with everyday functions like phone calls while on the move. The alternative to everyday necessities is using the steering wheel buttons, which are very simple to click through.

The Mazda 3 is equipped with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and digital radio. Connecting a smartphone is straightforward and can be actioned swiftly, while navigation is fairly quick to use when entering manually.

The Mazda 3 range also boasts a head-up display as standard from the entry-level model – another treat when on the move, displaying pivotal information such as speed, cruise control, and navigation into the windscreen ahead of the driver.

The Mazda 3 scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019.

Standard across the range is an ample amount of safety features including rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag).

Further to this, the G20e gets the Vision Technology package as standard, which also adds 360-degree camera, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, driver monitoring, plus cruising and traffic support for the adaptive cruise control.

The features you’re getting in this particular model match the range-topping Astina, so I would say that's a pretty big win.

The nifty feature I tended to rely on a lot was the 360-degree camera, especially when reversing out of parking spaces. This displays your car at a bird's eye view on one side of the screen, along with a view of the rear of the vehicle – keeping in mind you also get your front and rear sensors for further assistance.

To recap, the Mazda 3 hatch range starts at $26,540 for the base G20 Pure and stretches to $42,690 for the top-spec X20 Astina. Prices exclude on-road costs.

All Mazdas are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing should be conducted every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

Servicing costs vary for the first five years with the first, third and fifth costing $328 and the second and fourth priced at $374. The total estimated cost for five years is $1732, which is expensive. Especially when comparing it to a Toyota Corolla, which is $1025 for five years, while the Hyundai is also fairly steep at $1675 for five years.

Comprehensive insurance cover for the Mazda 3 G20e hatch comes to $912 annually for a comparative quote based on a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

Despite the use of 'hybrid' in the Mazda 3 G20e's name, the system itself is a mild hybrid, meaning it functions more like an expanded stop-start system than a full Toyota-style hybrid. The electric motor in the Mazda 3 isn't able to power the car with the petrol engine off, but can assist in some conditions and lower fuel use, albeit not dramatically.

Claimed fuel consumption for this Mazda 3 is 5.9L/100km combined. With a mixture of driving conditions, my recording was a little higher at 7.0L/100km, so closer to the claimed urban consumption of 7.7L/100km. Unlike a Corolla hybrid, which can return low to mid 4L/100km figures, the Mazda's mild-hybrid system isn't as efficientoverall.

Fuel Consumption - brought to you by bp

Fuel Useage	Fuel Stats
Fuel cons. (claimed)	5.9L/100km
Fuel cons. (on test)	7.0L/100km
Fuel type	91-octane unleaded
Fuel tank size	51L

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The Mazda 3 G20e Evolve M Hybrid pairs the 2.0-litre ‘G20’ engine with a 24-volt mild-hybrid system developing 114kW/200Nm outputs. That’s mated to a standard six-speed auto sending drive to both front wheels.

The mild-hybrid system is just that – mild. So while it may assist with fuel economy, it can also add to its lack of get-up-and-go. It’ll move off the line, just not with much bite. Keep in mind that this engine doesn’t have a turbo, so don’t expect any instant thrills from this funky hatch.It's not a hot hatch by any means, but that doesn't mean it's not an enjoyable car to drive.

One nifty feature of a mild hybrid is the stop-start system, which signals the engine to turn off as it cruises to a stop. It will then in turn assist the car on take-off. So while there's no promise of punch, it’s sure to be smooth.

Where this car shines and feels incredibly refined is at higher speeds, so touring down the freeway is an effortless and enjoyable experience.

The handling can be applauded, too, boasting precise steering that can get you through tight turns, performing snappy manoeuvres without a hitch.

Except for when you need to look through that rear-view mirror – it’s narrow and can leave you feeling a little enclosed. I often found myself having to rely more than I’d like on its safety assistants. What’s more, the driver's side mirror is fixed with a zoom so things can often seem closer than they are, which takes some getting used to.

Other than those gripes, it does a great job around town once the power kicks in, and with a firmer feel to its suspension it’s suitably controlled on country roads – an environment where the Mazda manages to remain pleasantly silent.

Comparing the Mazda 3 to its rivals, it’s certainly not the cheapest option to buy or to own. It's also not a class leader in the way of interior space.

However, this funky hatch is a stylish and premium offering, which drives well and is packed with a generous list of standard features, especially in the way of safety. So, if you are shopping for a small passenger vehicle, then it really comes down to personal style and budget.

Plus, if fuel efficiency is high on the agenda, then you will find some – not a heap – economical gains from the mild-hybrid system.

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2022 Mazda 3 G20e Evolve mild-hybrid review: Looks and brains?

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